India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised opener Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive batting and urged him to stick to his natural game after India’s four-wicket loss to Australia in the second T20I.
Opener Abhishek Sharma has continued to impress with his attacking batting style, and India captain Suryakumar Yadav believes the youngster should stick to it. Yadav shared his thoughts on Friday after India lost the second T20I against Australia by four wickets.
The 25-year-old was the standout performer in India’s top order, scoring a 37-ball 68. However, none of the other batters could support him as India were bowled out for a below-par 125 in 18.4 overs. Australia comfortably chased down the target in 13.2 overs.
“Abhishek has been doing this for quite some time now. He knows his game and his identity,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.
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“He is not changing it anymore and hopefully he sticks to it and plays many more knocks like this for us.”
Hazlewood’s Early Strikes Sink India In Second T20I
The Indian captain also credited Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for his outstanding spell that restricted India’s scoring. Hazlewood took 3/13 and dismantled India’s top order in the powerplay.
“The way he (Hazlewood) bowled in the powerplay, if you’re four down in the powerplay it’s difficult to recover from that. Well bowled…” Suryakumar added.
When asked about the main takeaway from the defeat, Yadav stressed the need to return to the basics. “I think we need to do what we did in the first game. Bat well when batting first and then come out and defend,” he said.
In the opening game in Canberra, India were in control before rain interrupted play. The visitors had reached 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill unbeaten on 37 and 39, respectively.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, on the other hand, lauded Hazlewood’s contribution and said the conditions suited him perfectly.
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“It was a good toss to win. Bit of moisture and Hoff (Hazlewood) is a great bowler when there’s something in it. Wanted to take a couple of wickets early,” Marsh said.
He also reflected on Australia’s preparation for major tournaments. “I think since the last World Cup we have tried to really build a squad of 25 players who can, if required, come to the World Cup and feel a part of the team and be connected to everyone,” Marsh added.
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